St. Mary’s High School’s varsity softball team has a standout in eighth grader Mia Nowicki, who competes at a level well beyond her years.
The 13-year-old takes the mound against opponents typically four to five years her senior, and she is quickly establishing herself as a high school talent despite still being enrolled in junior high.
Mia’s exceptional pitching was on full display Monday night when she led St. Mary’s of Lynn to a 6-1 victory over Lynn Classical in the John Holland Memorial Tournament championship game.
Her performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team, continuing a remarkable trajectory that began last year when she nearly threw a no-hitter and captured the Most Outstanding Pitcher Award as a seventh grader.
The foundation for her athletic excellence runs deep. Her father, Paul Nowicki, dominated Chelsea Little League and Chelsea Youth Baseball League play before becoming an All-Scholastic three-sport athlete (football, hockey, and baseball) at Matignon High School in Cambridge and later earning a roster spot on Division 1 Clemson University’s football team. Her mother, Tracy Constantino Nowicki, serves as executive director of the Chelsea Senior Center and was herself a notable athlete at Chelsea High School.
Beyond softball, Mia’s basketball abilities are equally impressive. Standing 5-feet-4-inches tall as a guard, she led St. Mary’s junior varsity in scoring and is expected to join the varsity squad as a freshman this winter.
“Her athletic skills are off the charts,” remarked St. Mary’s athletic director Jeff Newhall. “It’s rare for an eighth grader to participate in varsity sports, let alone excel like she has at this level.”
For the 15-5 St. Mary’s softball team, considered a serious state championship contender, Mia has served as both starter and reliever. Her pitching arsenal has grown increasingly refined, featuring two fastballs, a curveball, change-up, and screwball.
“I just keep working hard at practice and my coaches and teammates really help me out, too,” Mia explained. “Coach [Colleen] Newbury is a really good coach and helps us through a lot of stuff.”
The challenge of being an eighth-grade varsity athlete is one Mia embraces fully. “It’s nerve wracking but exciting, but I’m glad I’m doing it.”
When asked if she recognized her father’s stellar Matignon career and whether his accomplishments had influenced her own abilities, Mia responded thoughtfully.
“I get my talent from God, not from my dad,” she answered with a grin.